Flow intermitter



Feb. 27, 1945. BQYNTQN 2,370,140

FLOW INTERMITTER Filed Sept. 29, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ALEXANDER BOYNTQN,

INVENTOR,

ATTORNEY.

Feb. 27, 1945. A. BOYNTON I FLOW INTERMIT TER 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 29

N T T N N Y E O V B N I E D N A X E L A NN wN MN v Om mm: M MN E mm mm 1 MN mm 5 .5 mm mm on 9 m. m a om 09 2: N9 I w 1? x m9 QN N UNI- llow Ew mm um 90 ow mm m Q WN mm a O. E vw 3 a 8 om mm mm m 3 mm E m ow om a mm 5 mm m mm m9 3 2: mN mm mm 5 m9 mm m9 om 5 ATTORNEY.

Patented Feb. 27, 1945 FLOW m'mmvn'rrna Alexander Boynton, San Antonio, Tex.; Sida S. Martin executrix of said Alexander Boynton,

deceased Application September 29, 1941, Serial No. 412,869

Claims.

My invention relates to flow intermitters for cased wells, and deals with the general subject matter of my Patents No. 2,262,750, issued November 18, 1941, and No. 2,263,565, issued November 25, 1941.

The principal object i to provide automatic means for causing a well to flow at predetermined intervals and during predetermined lengths of time.

Another object is to provide means for such purpose which will apply pressure fluid force to the producing formation only while the well is flowing, the pressure being withdrawn from the producing formation while the well is building up each head of liquid.

A further object is to control the duration of the flowing operation and the interval between such operations by mean independent of gas pressure within the well.

Another object is to enable a well to be flowed at predetermined intervals and during predetermined lengths of time without subjecting the producing formation of the well to any pressure from the air or gas employed to lift the well liquid, this result being accomplished by employing a packer or string of pressure tubing surrounding the flow tubing, the annular space between the two strings of tubing being closed hermetically proximate their extreme ends.

A still further object is to provide a flow intermitterwhich will cause flow devices to operate more eiflciently and without manual control at pressures which may be varied by adjustin the intermitter.

In addition to the foregoing, another object is to cut off the supply of pressure fluid and thereby prevent waste thereof whenever the accumulatedwell fluid has been expelled, if that should occur before the expiration of the predetermined flowing period.

Another object is to provide an intermitter which may be operated by pressure fluid ranging in value from only slightly above the atmosphere to that of the pressure fluid employed by it in flowing wells.

A further object is to conserve natural gas and lengthen the natural flowing life of oil wells by closing the wells in before or when their gas begins to break through the well liquid and by opening the wells again when they have built up enough gas to flow them.

Another object is to record the number of flowing operations during known intervals.

In accomplishing the foregoing objects by means of the preefrred construction, I employ a piston assembly within two aligned cylinders, each one of the cylinders being connected with a source of compressed air or gas. The pressure is reduced alternately. in one of the cylinders and then in the other. cylinder by bleeding off the pressure fluid, thereby causing the piston assembly operative within the cylinders to move alternately in opposite directions and to actuate a plurality of valves which control the intermittent flowing operations to accomplishthe stated objects.

In the modified form, a pressure regulator controls the low pressure in one of the cylinders, while a bleeder valve is employed to deplete the pressure in the other cylinder until it become less than that within the low pressure cylinder. The resulting intermittent difference in pressures 0btaining in the cylinders containing opposite ends of the piston assembly causes the piston assembly to travel first in one direction and then in the other; thereby operatinga plurality of valves to accomplish the foregoing objects.

A latch retards the movement of the piston assembly in both directions in order that any movement begun will be completed with certainty.

The piston assemblyis adapted to operate six valves in the preferred embodiment and four valves in the modified construction. These valves control the duration of the flowing period, the intervals between such periods, the admission of pressure fluid into the well, and the withdrawal of pressure fluid from the well.

A mechanical counter is actuated by the piston assembly to record the number of flowing operations, all of which will become more apparent from an examination of the following specification and accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the preferred construction.

Fig. 2 is a continuation of the lubricator reservoir and connected conduit displaced from the left end of the inter'mitter assembly.

Fig. 3 is a continuation of similar parts to those shown in Fig. 2 displaced from the right end of the intermitter assembly.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the preferred construction.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the valve platform.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the platform and valves. mounted on it in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a typical horizontal section through the piston, cylinder, and latch of both constructions.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cylinder spacer member partially broken away to show a portion of the piston and connected drive pins.

Fig. 9 is a vertical section on the line 9-9, Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the modified construction.

Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the modified construction Withboth cylinders and the cylinder spacer member in vertical section showing the piston in partial vertical section.

Fig. 12 is an outside view of a portion of the oil reservoir and piping displaced from the left end of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is an outside view of a portion of the oil reservoir and piping displaced from the right end of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the platform and valves mounted upon it as employed in the modified construction.

Similar characters of reference are employed to designate similar parts throughout the several views.

The casing head 3 is employed to form a hermetic seal between the well casing I and the flow tubing 2, proximately above the ground surface 4, the tubing being positioned centrally within the casing and surrounded by the annular space A flow line connection or tubing extension nipple 33, which may be of the same diameter as the tubing 2 is shown connected to the tubing by the union ad which is employed for convenience in assembling the intermitter and removing it from the well. The nipple may be bent as shown and joined to an unshown flow line leading to a production tank. Manifestly this nipple may be considered as an outward extension of the tubing or as an extension of said flow line joined to the tubing.

The cylindrical assembly consisting of the cylinder spacer member 6, having the-external longitudinal reinforcing ribs 6m and the cylinders i and 8, is secured upon the nipple 5 by the upper clamp bolts 40, Figs. 1 and 4, and 4|, Fig. 7, which bolts are received through openings in the tubing clamps 38 and 39.

The bevels of the nuts 43 are received within corresponding sountersinks in the clamps, (see Fig. 9) in order securely and adjustably to position the bolts centrally within the openings through the clamps. The similar nuts 42 of the bolts 40 are engaged similarly upon the clamps.

member 6, Figs. 7 and 9, while the two bolts 40 are received through openings in the supporting flange 60 to which flange these bolts are locked by thenuts 42. The heads of the bolts 40 and the nuts 42 are beveled like the nuts 43 in Fig. 9, these beveled surfaces being received within conforming countersinks within the supporting flange 6c of the cylinder spacer member 6 for the purpose of rigidly securing the bolts 40 centrally within the openings through the flange.

The cylinders and 8 are aligned with the spacer member 6. The right end cylinder 1 has its flange la secured to the flange Ba of the spacer member by the bolts 9, and the left end cylinder 8 has its flange 811 secured to the flange 6b of the member 5 by the bolts ID.

The piston member H (see Fig. 7) has at one end the piston head ||b, closely slidable within the cylinder 1, and has at its other end the piston head He, closely slidable within the cylinder 8.

The right end piston head ll-b has an extension Nd, and the piston head He has a similar extension He. The U cups or other form of packing I2 and I3 and the spacer rings I4 and I5 separating these cups, each has a central opening which closely receives the extensions (1 and He, respectively.

The dashpot plunger l6 has threaded connection with the extension Nd and serves to lock the U cups I2 and the spacer ring |4 together and to hold them assembled against the end of the piston head ||b. Likewise, the U cups l3 and the spacer ring |5 are held assembled against the end of the piston head He by the dashpot plunger ll. The U cups l2, closely slidable within the cylinder 1, face the outer end of that cylinder, and the U cups 3, closely slidable within the cylinder 8, face in the opposite direction.

The cylinder 1 has an end extension forming the dashpot pocket lb. The cylinder 8 has a similar end extension forming the dashpot pocket 8b.

The dashpot plunger H5 is tapered slightly, as appears in Fig. 7, and has very slight minimum clearance, such as one-sixty-fourth inch, within the dashpot pocket 11) whenever it engages therein at the end of the piston travel in that direction. Likewise, the dashpot plunger I1 is tapered slightly also and has similar clearance within the dashpot pocket 8b whenever it engages therein at the end of the piston travel in the opposite direction.

The latch, shown sectionized in Fig. '7, is for the purpose of delaying the movements of the piston assembly until suflicient energy is exerted upon either end thereof to complete the piston travel in the opposite direction. This latch is similar in operation to that disclosed in my co- 40 pending application, Serial Number 267,193, filed April 10, 1939.

The latch shell I 8 is secured against the cylinder spacer member 6 by the clamps 29 and 30, engaged with the bosses 6) and 69, respectively, of the member 6 by the cap screws 3| and 32, respectively. The ends of the shell I8 are closed hermetically by the caps l9 and 20 engaging upon the packings 25a.

Proximate its ends, the latch shaft 2| has the latching recess 2 la adapted to be engaged by the latch balls 22. The ball riders 23 urge the latch balls inwardly against the latch shaft and against the ball floors 24 by force of the coiled springs 21, both ball riders and springs having some clearance within the shell I8. Each of the ball floors 24 may be placed in proper position by being engaged threadedly with the shell and secured in proper position by the lock rings 24a. Each gland 26 may have threaded connection within one of the spring bases 28 in order properly to compress the paekings 25. The latch may be engaged to the maximum depth of the recesses 2| (1 at either end of the shaft 2| as shown, or the force of this engagement may be made less, as required, by screwing the members 24 and 24a farther outward, in order that the latch balls will engage less deeply within the recesses Zia. It will be understood that the parts 22, 23, 24, 24a, 25, 26, 21, and 28 are duplicated at each end of the latch assembly, and that the latch shaft 2|, formed the same at both ends, engages with the latch balls in the same manner at each end, although the force of this engagement may be varied at either or both ends by adjusting the position of the members 24 and 24a, as above stated. I

The latch is operated by the movements of the piston member II, the latch driver pin 33 being secured at one end within the enlargement H g of the piston member, as appears in Fig. 7 and having its outer portion of reduced diameter engaged within the central opening through the latch shaft. The slot We of the shell I8 and slot 67c of the cylinder spacer member 6 register and are of such width and length that the pin 33 may slide freely therein during the piston movements. The latch balls 22 engage within the recess Zia of the latch shaft 2| at each end of the piston travel.

One end of the latch lubricator pipe 34, Figs. 1 and 4, is secured upon the shell it by the weld 34a and the other end is secured similarly by a similar weld. By removing the plug 35, the latch may be filled with a lubricant which will be confined by the packings 25, the latch shaft 2! remaining engaged with this packing during all movements of the latch,

Obviously the latch may be omitted and the variable force required to overcome frictional resistance of the parts at rest and in motion may be relied upon to replace the latch.

The mechanical counter 33, many types of which are available, may be secured upon the boss 5h of the cylinder spacer member 6 by the cap screws 37 (see Figs. 1, 4, and 8), where it will be actuated to count the well flowing operations by impact of the extension 33a of the latch driver pin 33, slidable within the slot l8?) of the latch shell [8.

Proximately beneath the cylinder spacer mem her 6, the platform 3 is secured upon the nipple 5 by means of the bolts 46 engaging through the clamp 45 (see Fig. 6) and the clamp portion 44a of the platform member 44 (see Fig. 1). This platform shown separately in Fig. 5, has the slots Mb properly positioned to receive the several strap bolts, having their nuts engaged against the nether side of the platform for the purpose of securing the several valves shown mounted upon it (see Figs. 1 and 6).

The six valves securely mounted upon the platform 44 may be of the ordinary lubricated plug valve type, as shown. These valves are opened simultaneously byQO degrees clockwise rotation of their operating levers and ar closed simultaneously by a reciprocatory movement which may be evenly divided on either side of a line projected longitudinally through the center of the valves. The valves are staggered as shown .in Fig. 6, three of them facing in one direction and the other three facing in the opposite direction. This arrangement provides that three of the valves will be opening while the other three will be closing, if installed as usually-manufactured, without the necessity of reversing their ports,

The larger high pressure casing input valve 41 and the casing bleeder valve 52 are secured upon the platform 44 by the strap bolts 53 and 58, respectively. The four smaller inner valves 18, 49, 58, and 5! are supported by bases which raise the smaller valves so that all valves will have their operating shanks on the same horizontal plane. The first feeder valve 48 and its base 59 are secured upon the platform 44 by the strap bolts 54. The first bleeder valve 49 and its base 59 are secured upon the platform by the strap bolts 55. The second bleeder valve 50 and its base 60 are secured upon the platform by the strap bolts 56. The second feeder valve 5| and its base 60' are secured upon the platform by the strap bolts 51.

The operating lever 6|, pressed over or otherwise secured upon the operating shank 47a of the valve 41, has the slot 61a which slidably receives the drive pin 61. The operating lever 62, pressed over the operating shank 48a of the valve 48, has the slot 62a which slidably receives the drive pin 68. The operating lever 63, pressed over the operating shank 49a of the valve 49, has the slot 630, which'slidably receives the drive pin 69. The operating lever 64, pressed over the operating shank Eta of the valve 50, has the slot 64a which slidably receives the drive pin 10. The operating lever 65, pressed over the operating shank am of the valve 5|, has the slot 65a which slidably receives the drive pin H. The operating lever 65, pressed over the operating shank 52a of the valve 52, has the slot 65a which slidably receives the drive pin 12.

The slots Gla, 62a, 63a, 64a, 65a, and 66a are of secured within the enlargement H of one of the ribs Ha of the piston member H (see Fig. 8), and are at such distance apart that the levers BI, 63, and 65 Will be parallel with each other and that the levers 62, 64, and 66 will be also parallel with each other. The slot 67' of the member 6 (see Fig. 11') is of such width and length that the drive pins 67 to H, both inclusive, are slidablefreely therein during the full length of the piston stroke in both directions.

The reason why three valves in one row will be set to open while the three valves in the other row close, will appear from the functions of these valves and of the conduits into which they are connected.

The compressed air or gas line 13 has connected into it the valve 13a, and the Ts 13b, 14, 15, 16, and I04 and terminates at the check valve ll with which it has connection.

Manifestly the pressure supply line 53 can be closed by the valve 730. and have communication with annular space la as a source of pressure fluid. To form this connection the plug 3b may be removed from the boss 30. of the casing head and the plug maybe removed from the T 132) and a conduit provided between said boss and T.

The emergency pressure relief conduit 78 has one end connected into the check valve 11 and the other end connected into the T Bl. I

The first conduit Bil, havingconnected into it the Ts 81, 82, 83, and 84, has one end connected with the first receiver 19 and the other end con- 48 and with the T 83, the first charger timing valve 88 which may be a needle valve being connected into this line between the T 83 and the valve 48.

The second conduit 99, connected into the T 74, has connection with both ends of the valve and with the T 91, the second charger timing valve 9|, which may be a needle valve, being connected into this conduit between the T 91 and the valve 5!.

The second conduit 94, having the Ts 96, 91, and 98 connected into it, has one end connected into the second receiver 95 and the other end connected into the left side lubricator reservoir NH.

The first bleeder conduit 81, having the first bleeder timing valve 88, which may be a needle valve, connected into it, has connection with the T 82 and both ends of the valve 49 discharging to atmosphere, as appears in Fig. 6.

The second bleeder conduit 92, having the second bleeder timing valve 93 connected into it, has connection with the T 96 and both ends of the valve 50 discharging to atmosphere, as ap-- pears in Fig. 6.

The casing bleeder conduit 99, connected into the casing head 3 and thereby having communication With the annular space la, has connection with both ends of the valve 52 and discharges to atmosphere, as appears in Fig. 6, or may have its discharge end connected into a gas fuel line, or the like.

The initial equalizing conduit I06, having connected into it the T Hi9 and the valves I01 and I08, has connection at one end with the second receiver 95 and at the other end has connection with the first receiver 79.

The valves l0! and I08 will be considered as closed until otherwise specified.

The nipple I95 has connection with the T I04 of the pressure supply line 13 and also has connection with the T I09.

The oil reservoir I80, having within it the perforated baflie tube a secured to it by the weld lllllb, and the similar reservoir l0! having within it the perforated baffle tube [Ella secured to it by the weld Ifllb, may be filled with oil which will follow the piston assembly and lubricate the cylinders. The reservoir I00 is connected into the boss 1c of the cylinder 1, and the reservoir I0] is connected into the boss 8c of the cylinder 8. These oil reservoirs may be filled by removing the pressure gauges I02 and H13 or the bushings into which they are shown connected. The plug 1e, engaged within the boss id of the cylinder 1, and the plug 86, engaged within the other similar boss 8d of the cylinder 8, provides means for draining the cylinders.

The first charger timing valve 89 controls the time required to build up pressure within the receiver 19, and the second charger timing valve 9! controls the time required to build up pressure within the receiver 95. These valves regulate the interval between flowing operations, as will appear later.

' The first bleeder timing valve 88 controls the time required to bleed 01f pressure from the receiver 19, and the second bleeder timing valve 93 controls the time required to bleed off pressure from the receiver 95. These valves regulate the duration of the flowing operations, as also will appear later.

In operation of the intermitter illustrated in Figs. 1 to 9, both inclusive, compressed air or gas of proper value to flow the well will be supplied through the line 73. In the beginning, it 'will be assumed that the piston assembly is at the extreme left as shown in Fig.7. The valve operating levers then are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 6. The valves 41, 49, and 5| are open, and the valves 48, 50, and 52 are closed. This begins the flowing operation in the following manner:

The open valve 41 is discharging pressure fluid into the annular space la through the conduit 89, this fluid being of proper value to flow the well. At the same time, the valve 52 is closed in order to prevent the pressure fluid from escaping out of the well through the conduit 99. The open valve 49 is draining pressure fluid to atmosphere out of the receiver 19 through the first bleeder timing valve 89 which valve is so adjusted as to reduce the pressure slowly in the re ceiver 19. At the same time, the open valve 5| is discharging pressure fluid into the receiver 95 through the second charger timing valve 9| which valve is adjusted so as to build up pressure slowly within the receiver 95. The valve 48 is closed so that it will not allow pressure fluid to enter the receiver 19 while the valve 49 is discharging pressure fluid out of it. At the same time, the valve 59 is closed so that it will not discharge pressure fluid out of the receiver 95 while the valve 5i is discharging into it.

The piston assembly being at the extreme left as in Fig. 7, and pressure fluid force being built up within the receiver' 95 while similar force is being depleted within the receiver 19, it is apparent that the piston assembly will travel to the extreme right Whenever the difference in pressures within these receivers is suflicient to cause the latch to be sprung.

When the piston assembly is at the extreme right, opposite from its position shown in Fig, 7, the valves 41, 49, and 5i will be closed and the valves 48, 50, and 52 will be open. This terminates the flowing operation in the following manner:

The valve 4'! cuts off the entrance of pressure fluid into the well through the conduit 89, while f in the receiver 19 through the open valve 48.

'the same time, the valve 5| is closed in order to allow the open bleeder valve 59 to reduce the pressure within the receiver 95.

The piston assembly being at the extreme right,

, it is obvious that with pressure building up within the receiver 19 and being depleted within the receiver 95, the piston assembly will return to the left whenever the difference in pressures is such as will cause the latch to be sprung.

The latch, for example, may be adjusted to spring at ten or twenty pounds difference in the pressures obtaining Within the reecivers l9 and 95, provided these receivers are of such capacity that the piston displacement will cause somewhat less than ten or twenty pounds difference in these pressures, as the case may be.

The adjustment of the first bleeder timing valve 88 which bleeds pressure fluid out of the receiver 19 and the adjustment of the second charger timing valve 9|, which governs the flow of pressure fluid into the receiver 95, determine the duration of the flowing operations.

The adjustment of the first charger timing valve 86 which controls the inflow of pressure fluid to the receiver '19 and the second bleeder timing valve 93 whichcontrols the discharge of pressure fluid to atmosphere out of the receiver 95, determine the intervals between flowing operations.

For purposes of this subsequent discussion, it is assumed that twenty pounds difference in the pressures within the receivers 19 and 95 will be sufiicient to spring the latch at either end and to cause the piston assembly to complete its travel in either direction. Then if it be desired, for example, to flow the well for one hour each time, this may be accomplished by slightly opening the first bleeder timing valve 88 so that it will deplete twenty pounds of pressure out of the receiver 19 during one hour, and by slightly opening the second charger timing valve 9! so that it will permit the pressure within the receiver 95 to build up twenty pounds during one hour. Proper adjustment of the valves 88 and 9|, of course, will provide any other desired flowing time.

If it be desired that the intervals between flowing operations be two hours, for example, this may be accomplished by adjusting the first charger timing valve 89 so as to allow twenty pounds of pressure to build up within the receiver 19 during two hours while the second bleeder timing valve 93 is adjusted to allow twenty pounds of pressure to be depleted out of the receiver 95 during two hours. Any other desired interval between flowing operations may be obtained by making proper adjustments of the valves 86 and 93, as is apparent.

In beginning the operation of this intermitter, the valves l! and I98 may be left closed if it be desired to use low pressures to actuate the piston assembly. In such case, the operating pressures will vary alternately from zero to twenty pounds in opposite ends of the cylinders because when the device is first installed with the piston assembly positioned as in Fig. 7 there is no pressure in either end of the cylinders and the valve placing pressure in the cylinder 8, is open, while the valve 49, bleeding pressure from the cylinder 1, is open also. This practice is to be preferred if the well will not pump off during the flowing operations.

If the well will pump oif during the flowing operations, or isapt to do so, preferably the same pressure employed within the annular space la to flow the well should be employed also Within the cylinders to operate the piston assembly. This is so, because the intermitter is made to terminate automatically the flowing operation Whenever the gas blows through from bottom when the well cleans itself if the same pressure is employed to operate the cylinders as that employed to flow the well. This is accomplished by means of the check valve 11.

In employing the same pressure to operate the cylinders as that employed to flow the well, begin using the intermitter by first opening the valves I01 and IE8 simultaneously. Pressure fluid then will enter and equalize within the receivers 19 and 95 through the conduit H15 leading out of the supply line 13. The bleeder valve 49, being then open and depleting pressure within the receiver 19 while the feeder valve 5i discharging pressure fluid into the receiver 95 is open also, it is evident that the same pressure as that obtaining within the line 73 will be employed then to operate the piston assembly, as Will be understood from previous description of this mechanism.

Whenever the weight of the well liquid within the eduction tubing 2 becomes less than the force of the pressure fluid employed to flow the well, the contents of the tubing will be expelled as a slug. As the 'upper' end of this slug passes out through the-'fiow line 5, the portion of the slug still remaining in the tubing 2 will move faster and faster as more of the slug is expelled, with the result that pressure fluid will be withdrawn rapidly from the annular space la. This causes the pressure within the pressure supply line 13 to drop sharply then, resulting in the opening of the check valve 71 which then discharges pressure fluid out of the receiver 19 into the line 13'. When pressure within the receiver 19 drops slightly from the loss of pressure fluid through the check valve 17, the piston assembly will move to the right, thereby terminating the flowing operation, as hereinbefore explained.

Attention is directed to the fact that when the well cleans .itself as stated in the preceding paragraph, the bleeder valve 49 has been reducing the pressure within the receiver 19 since the flowing operation began and that, consequently, the check valve 11 will be required to reduce this pressure only slightly more in order to terminate the flowing operation. In practice, this is accomplished before the slug is expelled completely or almost instantly afterward, because the operator will adjust the flowing time so that a blow through from the bottom, ordinarily will not occur, but if it does occur, this will happen usually when only one or two pounds less pressure within the receiver 19 will result in terminating the flowing operation.

If the valve 13a be opened just far enough to admit into the line 13 only enough gas to flow the well, then when the well blows through from bottom the pressure in the annular space la will decrease rapidly.

The fact that the check valve I! automatically will reduce pressure within-the receiver 19 whenever a well cleans itself, and thereby terminate the flowing operation, is one of the important features of this invention, for. without such emergency provision gas from the supply line 13 would waste through the well until the bleeder valve 48 completed the necessary reduction of pressure within the receiver 19 to terminate the flowing operation in the usual manner.

If any pressure intermediate of the assumed minimum pressure of twenty pounds andthat employed to flow the well be desired to operate the piston assembly, that purpose can be accomplished by connecting a pressure regulator into the short-nipple I05 between the line 13 and the equalizing conduit I96.

In the modified construction illustrated in Figs. 10, 11, .and 14, it will be understood that parts bearing the same reference characters as in the preceding embodiment are similar in form and purpose in both constructions. The piston assembly, cylinder assembly, latch assembly, and the clamps and bolts securing them to the cylinder spacer member being the same in both constructions, these members will not'be discussed further.

This modified construction employs four valves mounted on a different platform from that shown in the preferred embodiment in combination with a pressure regulator and a somewhat different system of piping to accomplish the same results as those hereinbefore described for the preceding construction.

The high pressure casing input valve H3, the high pressure bleeder valve H4, the high pressure feeder valve H5, and the casing bleeder valve III; are shown to be of the ordinary lubricated plug valve type, similar to the valves mounted upon the platform 44 in Fig. 6.

The pressure regulator I35 may be similar to the one disclosed in Patent Number 2,007,363, application for which patent was made by me, or this regulator may be of any other suitable type.

The platform IIO has mounted upon it the valves II3, H4, H5, and H6 operated by the levers I23, I24, I25, and I26, respectively, the levers being actuated by the drive pins I21, I28, I29, and I30, secured within the piston member II. This construction, being somewhat similar to that previously described, will be discussed briefly.

The platform I I has the slots IIOb similar to the slots 44b of the platform 44 shown in Fig. by means of which slots and the strap bolts H1, H8, H9, and I20, the valves H3, H4, H5, and IIG, are secured to the platform, having the clamp-like extension IIOa. The platform IIO is secured upon the nipple 5 by the bolts II2 engaging through openings in the clamp portion IIIJa of the member H0 and the clamp III (see Fig. 14)

In Figs. 11 and 14, it will be observed that the valve I I3 is secured upon the platform IIO by the strap bolts H1. The valve II 4, having under it the separate base I2I, is secured upon the platform by the strap bolts H8. The valve II5, having under it the separate base I22, is secured upon the platform by the strap bolts H9. The valve H6 is secured upon the platform by the strap bolts I20.

The slots IIOb of the platform IIO are of such length that the valves and the strap bolts securing the valves upon this platform may be positioned so that the operating levers will impart proper movement to open and close the valves.

The smaller valves H4 and H5 are raised by their respective bases I2I and I22, Fig. 11, until the operating levers of all four valves are on the same plane.

The lever I23, passed over or otherwise secured upon the operating shank I I3a of the valve II3, has the slot I23a within which the drive pin I21 is slidable. The lever I24, secured upon the operating shank II4a of the valve I I4, has the slot I24a within which the drive pin I28 is slidable.

The lever I25, secured upon the operating shank 511 of the valve II5, has the slot Ia within which the drive pin I29 is slidable. The lever I26, secured upon the operating shank IIGa of the valve I I6, has the slot I2Ba within which the drive pin I is slidable.

The slots I23a, I24a, I25a, and I26a are of proper length to allow sufficient swing of the levers to open and close the valves which are adapted to be opened or closed by approximate- 1y 90 degrees turn of the levers secured upon their respective operating shanks.

The four drive pins, I21, I28, I29, and I30, similar to the six drive pins shown in Figs. 6 and 8, are secured within the piston member I I, Fig. 11, at such distance apart that the levers of the four valves will be parallel with each other, The slot 69', Fig. 11, is of such width and length that the drive pins I21, I28, I29, and I30 are slidable freely therein during the piston strokes.

Two of the valves mounted on the platform III) open, while the other two valves close. Plu valves, such as shown secured upon the platform III), ordinarily are manufactured to open by a clockwise turn of their operating shanks, but this action may be reversed by turning the stop III) plates 90 degrees. In Figs. 11 and 14, the valves I I3 and I I5 have their stop plates turned 90 degrees in order that these valves will be opened by a clockwise turn of their operating levers I23 and I25, respectively, while the valves II 4 and III; are installed as usually manufactured, so that their operating levers will be moved clockwise to close these valves. Therefore, in Figs. 11 and 14, the valves II3 and H5 are open and the valves H4 and H6 are closed.

The high pressure compressed air or gas supply lifie I3I has connected into it the Ts I32, I33, I 34, and the valve II3, from the discharge end of which valve this line doubles backward and is connected into the casing head 3, by means of which connection the line I3I is placed in communication with the annular space la.

The low pressure cylinder conduit I36, having connected into it the pressure regulator I35, the check valve I31, and the Ts I38, I39, I40, and HI, originates in its connection with the T I33 and terminates in its connection with the lubricator reservoir I00. This reservoir, in turn, is connected into the boss 10 of the cylinder 1 and has within it the baffle tube I00a secured to it by the weld Mb. The low pressure receiver I43 is connected to the low pressure cylinder conduit I36 by means of the nipple I having connection with this receiver and the T I39.

The emergency pressure relief conduit I44, having connected into it the check valve I45 adapted to open in the direction of the line I3I and to close in the direction of the conduit I36, has connection with the Ts I 34 and I38.

The high pressure feeder conduit I 45 originates at its connection with the T I32 and has connection with both ends of the valve II5. This conduit terminates at its connection with the T I5I and has connected into it the charger valve I41.

The high pressure cylinder conduit I49, having connected into it the Ts I50, I5I, and I52, has connection with the high pressure receiver I48 and with the lubrica'tor reservoir IOI, which, in turn, has. connection with the boss of the cy1- inder 8, both oil reservoirs being of similar con struction in both forms of the invention.

The high pressure bleeder conduit I53, having connected into it the bleeder timing valve I54, has connection with the T I50 and extends to the valve II4 with both ends of which valve it has connection and near to it discharges to atmosphere, as appears in Fig. 14.

The casing bleeder conduit I56 has connection with both ends of the valve H6 and with the casing head 3. This conduit is adapted to discharge pressure fluid out of the annular space Ia to atmosphere through its open end, as appears in Fig. 14.

It is assumed that ten pounds per square inch difference in pressures acting upon each end of the piston assembly will drive it for its full travel in the opposite direction.

In operation, after being installed upon a well as shown in Fig. 11, compressed air or gas of proper value to flow the well is assumed to be available in the line I3I. The value of this pressure fluid, for example, will be assumed to be 200 pounds per square inch. It will be assumed further that the pressure regulator indicated at I35 is set to reduce the pressure of 200 pounds within the line I3I to pounds within the conduit I36. The pressure relief valve I42, which may be similar to that disclosed in Patent No. 2,055,465, application for which patent was filed by me, is

precautionary and should be set to pop off at 181 pounds in order to prevent pressure within the receiver I 43 and the conduit I36 from building up further if the pressure regulator I35 should fail to function properly at any time.

The charger valve I ll' and the bleeder timing valve I54 both will be opened slightly. The piston assembly is at the extreme left, as appears in Fig. 11. In this position, high pressure casing valve H3 is open and discharging pressure fluid into the annular space Ia through the high pressure supply line I3I; while the valve II 6, controlling the casing bleeder conduit I56, is closed. At the same time, the high pressure feeder valve H is open and discharging pressure fluid of the value of 200 pounds into the high pressure cylinder conduit I-iE-l and the receiver I48 via the high pressure feeder conduit I46; while the high pressure bleeder valve i M, adapted to bleed pres sure fluid out of ti e high pressure receiver I48 and the high pressure cylinder conduit I49, is closed.

Pressure fluid will build up to 180 pounds with in the low pressure receiver I43 and the conduit I36 and stop building up at that pressure on account of the assumed twenty pounds reduction accomplished by means of the pressure regulator l35 while the pressure within the receiver I48 and the conduit I 39 will continue building up to 190 pounds; whereupon the latch will be sprung and the piston assembly will move all the way to the right; thereby terminating the fiowing' operation.

At conclusion of the flowing operation, the high pressure casing valve III; is closed and no more pressure fluid can enter the annular space Ia, the casing bleeder valve 5 It being then open and bleeding the pressure fluid remaining within the annular space id to atmosphere through the casing bleeder conduit i523. At the same time, the high pressure bleeder valve H4 is open and wasting to atmosphere pressure fluid out of the receiver It? and the conduit 2 39, while the high pressure feeder valve I15, adapted to charge that receiver and conduit, is closed.

Whenever the pressure within the high pressure receiver 143 and the high pressure cyinder conduit I49 is decreased to 170 pounds, as specified in the foregoing assumptions, the latch will be sprung again and the piston assembly will return to the left as shown in Fig. 11; whereupon the cycle as described, will repeat automatically while the high pressure supply line I3i remains charged with pressure fluid of proper value. 1

It will be observed that the pressure remains constant within the low pressure receiver I43, while the variation in pressures which'actuates the piston assembly takes place in the high pressure receiver I43 and the conduit I49, due to the alternate charging and. bleeding of that receiver by the needle valves 54". and E56.

It should be noted also that the latch should be adjusted to operate at somewhat less pressure than the difference in pressures resulting from the action of the pressure regulator. This regulator is employed in order that there always will exist such difference between the pressures obtaining in the opposing cylinders as will spring the latch safely and operate the piston assembly in its movements that actuate the four valves mounted upon the platform I It.

The duration of the flowing operation is controlled by the setting of the charger needle valve I4": which controls the time required to build up sufllcient pressure within the high pressure receiver I 48 and the high pressure cylinder conduit I49 to drive the piston assembly to the right.

The duration of the intervals between flowing operations is controlled by the setting 'of the bleeder valve 854, which controls the time required to reduce the pressure within the high pressure receiver F48 and the high pressure cylinder conduit I49, far enough below the constant pressure within the low pressure receiver I43 to spring the latch'and to cause the piston assembly to return to the left, as shown in Fig. 11.

It should be noted also that the time required to build up pressure high enough within the high pressure receiver I48 and the high pressure cylinder conduit I49 to force the piston assembly to the right and terminate the flowing operation, is

constant at any setting of the charger valve I41.

In practice, this valve should be set so that the well will not pump off and blow through from bottom within the predetermined flowing time of each flowing operation; but if the well should pump off before conclusion of the flowing time, the pressure within the high pressure supply line ISI will decrease suddenly. Such decrease below the Value of the assumed 180 pounds within the receiver I43 and the conduit I 36 will open the check valve I45 and discharge pressure fluid out of the low pressure receiver I43, and the low pressure cylinder conduit I36 back into the line I3I; thus quickly reducing the pressure within that receiver and conduit and almost instantly causing the piston assembly to move to the right; thereby terminating that particular flowing operation then, instead of allowing the high pressure casing valve H3 to remain open and to waste gas through the well while the charger valve I4? would build up pressure high enough within the 1 high pressure receiver I48 and the high pressure cylinder conduit I49 to move the piston assembly to the right.

It is evident that a packer may be set between the tubing 2 and the casing I, proximately above the lower end of the tubing, in combination with a check valve in the tubing, for th purpose of preventing pressure fluid within the annular space Ia from contacting the producing formations of the well.

Obviously, many minor changes in construction and arrangement of parts, as well as the substitution of mechanical equivalents for parts shown, may be made within the scope and purpose of the stated objects and appended claims, and I reserve the right to make such changes, arrangements, and substitutions.

I claim:

1. In an intermitter for an oil well having a casing and tubing concentrically arranged to provide a closed annular space for pressure fluid, and a high pressure supply line proximate to said well: an outward extension on said tubing; a platform secured upon said outward extension; a valve assembly comprising a high pressure casing input valve, a casing bleeder valve, a first feeder valve, a first bleeder valve, a second feeder valve, and a second bleeder valve, each of said valves being mounted on said platform, the feeder valves and the bleeder valves being arranged in pairs so that one valve of each pair opens while the other valve of that pair closes; an operating lever for each of said valves with each operating lever formed with a slot; a cylinder in spaced relation to. said platform and valves, said cylinder having right and left ends; a piston member within said cylinder; drive pins upon said piston, each of said pins being slidable in one of said slots; each of said right and left hand ends of said cylinder being formed with a dashpot, and complemental structure on the corresponding end of said piston; a latch upon said cylinder, said latch being adapted to delay and make sudden the movements of said piston; an operative connection between said latch and said piston; a lubricator reservoir operatively connected with said right end; a lubricator reservoir operatively connected with said left end; a lubricant in said reservoirs; a first and a second receiver proximate said Well; a first conduit between said first receiver and said right lubricator reservoir; a second conduit between said second receiver and said left lubricator reservoir; a casing feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said annular space, the first said valve being in said feeder conduit; a casing bleeder conduit between said annular space and said casing bleeder valve; a first feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said first conduit, said conduit having said first feeder valve and a first charger timing valve therein; a first bleeder conduit between said first conduit and said first bleeder valve, said conduit having a first bleeder timing valve therein; a second feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said second receiver, said conduit having said second feeder valve and a second charger timin valve therein; a second bleeder conduit between said second conduit and said second bleeder timing valve, said conduit having a second bleeder timing valve therein; an initial equalizing conduit connecting said first and second receivers, said conduit having valves therein; an emergency pressure relief conduit between said supply line and said first receiver; a check valve in said relief conduit; and a mechanical counter adapted to indicate the successive movements of said piston and valves.

2. In an intermitter for an oil well having a casing and tubing concentrically arranged to provide a closed annular space for pressure fluid, and a high pressure supply line proximate to said well: an,,outward extension on said tubing; a platform proximate said extension; a valve assembly comprising a high pressure casing input valve, a casing bleeder valve, a first feeder valve, a first bleeder timing valve, a second feeder valve, and a second bleeder timing valve, each of said valves being mounted on said platform, the feeder valves and the bleeder valves being arranged in pairs so that one valve of each pair opens while the other valve of that pair closes; an operating lever upon each of said valves; a cylinder in spaced relation to said platform and valves, said cylinder having right and left ends; a piston within said cylinder; drive pins upon said piston, each of said pins being adapted to move one of said operating levers; a latch proximate said cylinder, said latch being adapted to delay and make sudden the movements of said piston; an operative connection between said latch and said piston; a right lubricator reservoir operatively connected with said right end; a left lubricator reservoir operatively connected with said left end; a-lubricant in said reservoirs; a first and a second receiver for pressure fluid proximate said well; a first conduit between said first receiver and said right lubricator reservoir; a second conduit between said second receiver and said left lubricator reservoir; a casing feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said annular space, the first said valve being in said feeder conduit; a casing bleeder conduit between said annular space and said casin bleeder valve; a

first feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said first conduit, said conduit having said first feeder valve and a first charger timing valve therein; a first bleeder conduit between said first conduit and said first bleeder valve, said conduit having a first bleeder timing valve therein; a second feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said second receiver, said conduit having said second feeder valve and a second charger timing valve therein; a second bleeder conduit between said second conduit and said second bleeder valve, said conduit having a second bleeder timing valve therein; and means for accelerating the discharge of pressure fluid from said first receiver when the well blows through the tubing.

3. In a flow intermitter for an oil well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed annular space therebetween, and a high pressure supply line proximate to said well: an outward extension on said tubing; a valve assembly comprising a first feeder valve, a first bleeder valve, a second feeder valve, and a second bleeder valve, the feeder valves and the bleeder valves being arranged in pairs so that one valve of each pair opens while the other valve of that pair closes; a cylinder spaced from said valve assembly and having right and left ends; a piston within said cylinder; means upon said piston to operate said valves; a lubricator reservoir operatively connected with said right end; a lubricator reservoir operatively connected with said left end; a first and a second receiver proximate said well; a first conduit between said first receiver and said right lubricator reservoir; a second conduit between said second receiver and said left lubricator reervoir; a first feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said first conduit, said conduit having said first feeder valve and a first charger timing valve therein; a first bleeder conduit between said first conduit and said first bleeder valve, said conduit having a first bleeder timing valve therein; a second feeder conduit between said pressure suppl line and said second receiver, said conduit having said second feeder valve and a second charger timing valve therein; a second bleeder conduit between said second conduit and said second bleeder valve, said conduit having a second bleeder timing valve therein; and latching means operatively connected with said piston and cylinder for latching said piston.

4. In a flow intermitter for an oil well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide an annular space therebetween, and a pressure fluid supply line proximate to said tubing: a valve assembly comprising a first feeder valve, a first bleeder valve, a second feeder valve, and a second bleeder valve, the feeder valves and the bleeder valves being arranged in pairs so that one valve of each pair opens while the other valve of that pair closes; a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves, said cylinder having right and left ends; a piston Within said cylinder; means upon said piston to operate said valves; a first and a second receiver proximate said well; a first feeder conduit between said first receiver and said right end; a second conduit between said second receiver and said left end; a first feeder conduit between said pressure fluid supply line and said first conduit. said conduit having said first feeder valve and a first charger timing valve therein; a first bleeder conduit between said first conduit and said first bleeder valve, said conduit having a first bleeder timing valve therein; a second feeder conduit between said pressure supply line and said second receiver, said conduit having said second feeder valve and a second charger timing valve therein; and a second bleeder conduit between said second conduit and said second bleeder valve, said conduit havin a second bleeder timing valve therein.

5. In a flow intermitter for cased and tubed wells having an annular space between the casing and tubing: a cylinder; a piston within said cylinder; an assembly of six valves arranged in pairs and in spaced relation to said piston; means upon said piston and valves to open one of each said pair while closin the other of each said pair; a first pair of conduits having pressure fluid therein, said conduits being respectively .connected to opposite ends of said cylinder; a second pair of conduits connected to one of said first pair of conduits and having pressure fluid therein; and a third pair of conduits connected to the other of said first pair of conduits and having pressure fluid therein; a fourth pair of conduits connected with said annular space, there being one of said valves in each of the aforesaid conduits, one conduit of said first pair of conduits being connected to one valve of a first of said pairs of valves and the other conduit of said first pair of conduits being connected to the other valve of said first pair of valves; one conduit of said second pair of conduits being connected to one valve of a second pair of said valves and the other conduit of said second pair of conduits said valves; one conduit of the third pair of conduits being connected to the other valve of said A second pair of valves and the other conduit of said third pair of conduits being connected to the other valve of said third pair of valves; by virtue of all of which pressure fluid will be alternately admitted to and discharged from said annular space and opposite ends of said cylinder.

6. In an intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide an annular space about said tubing; 2, cylinder proximate said tubing; a piston within said cylinder; a casing bleeder valve connected with said annular space; a high pressure casing input valve connected with said annular space; a high pressure feeder valve connected with one end of said cylinder; a high pressure bleeder valve also connected with said one end of said cylinder; means for maintaining a predetermined pressure on the other end of said cylinder; means for lubricating said piston; and means to operate said valves by movements of said piston; by virtue of all of which the movements of the piston are timed to cause the well to flow intermittently.

7. In a flow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide an annular space therebetween, and a high pressure supply line proximate said well: an outward extension on said tubing; a platform upon said extension; a valve assembly on said platform comprising a, high pressure casing input valve, a casing bleeder valve, a high pressure feeder valve, and a high pressure bleeder valve, said casing input valve and said casing bleeder valve constituting a pair of valves, and said high pressure feeder valve and said high pressure bleeder valve constituting another pair of valves, said valves being arranged so that one valve of each pair opens as the other valve of that pair closes; an operating lever upon each said valve; each of said operating levers being formed with a slot adapted to receive a drive pin; a cylinder in spaced relation to said platform and valves, said cylinder having right and left ends; a piston within said cylinder; drive pins upon said piston, each of said pins being slidable in one of said slots; each of said right and left ends of said cylinder being formed with a dashpot, and complemental structure on the corresponding end of saidpiston; a latch upon said cylinder cooperatively connected with said piston, said latch being adapted to delay and make sudden the movements of said piston; a lubricator reservoir upon said right end; a lubricator reservoir upon said left end; a lubricant in said reservoirs; a low pressure receiver proximate said well; a high pressure receiver proximate said well; ahigh pressure supply line communicating with said annular space, said line having said high pressure casing input valve in it; a casing bleeder conduit communicating with said annular space and connected to said casing bleeder valve; a low pressure cylinder conduit connected between said high pressure supply line and said low pressure receiver and right end lubricator reservoir; a pressure regulator and a check valve in said low pressure cylinder conduit; an emergency pressure relief conduit between said low pressure cylinder conduit and said high pressure supply line; a high pressure cylinder conduit between said high pressure receiver and said left lubricator reservoir and said left end lubricator reservoir; a high pressure feeder conduit between said high pressure line and said high pressure cylinder conduit, said high pressure feeder conduit having said high pressure feeder valve and a charger valve therein; a high pressure bleeder conduit between said high pressure cylinder conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said high pressure bleeder conduit having a bleeder timing valve therein; and a mechanical counter adapted to indicate the successive movements of said piston.

8. In a flow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide an annular space therebetween, and a high pressure supply line proximate said well: an outward extension on said tubing; a valve assembly comprising a high pressure casing input valve, a casing bleeder valve, a high pressure feeder valve, and a high pressure bleeder valve, said casing input valve and said casing bleeder valve constituting a pair of valves, and said high pressurefeeder valve and said high pressure bleeder valve constituting another pair of valves, said valves being arranged so that one valve of each pair opens while the other valve of that pair closes; a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves, said piston having right'and left ends; a piston within said cylinder; operative connections between said piston and said valves; a reservoir upon said right end; a reservoir upon said left end; a low pressure receiver proximate said well; a high pressure line communicating with said annular space, said line having said high pressure casing input valve' in it; a casing bleeder conduit communicating with said annular space and connected to said casing bleeder valve; a low pressure cylinder conduit connected between said high pressure supply line and said low pressure receiver and right end reservoir; a pressure regulator in said low pressure cylinder conduit; 9, high pressure feeder conduit between said high pressure supply line and said left end reservoir and said high pressure receiver; a high pressure feeder conduit between said high pressure line and said high pressure cylinder conduit, said high pressure feeder conduit having said high pressure feeder valve and a charger valve therein; and a high pressure bleeder conduit between said high pressure cylinder conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said high pressure bleeoler conduit having a bleeder timing valve therein.

9. In an intermitter for an oil wellhaving an eduction tubing and a casing around said tubing enclosing an anuular space: means for supplying pressure fluid to said space to efiect flowing of the well; means for controlling said pressure fluid to effect flowing operations at predetermined intervals of time; and means cooperating with said controlling means and with said pressure fluid supplying means for automatically affecting the operation of said controlling means thereby to terminate the flowing operations whenever the gas blows through from the bottom when the well cleans itself.

10. In an intermitter for an oil well having an eduction tubing surrounded by a casing enclosing an annular space: means to supply pressure fluid to said space to effect flowing of the well; flow means including a cylinder and piston, and control flow control valves cooperatively connected with said means to supply pressure fluid and connected with and operated by said piston; means including said valves for admitting pressure fluid to both ends of said cylinder and thereafter bleeding the pressure down from one end of the cylinder while simultaneously building up the pressure in the other end of the cylinder and vice versa during predetermined times to operate said valves so as to efiect intermittent flowing of the well; and means cooperating with said controlling means and with said pressure fluid supplying means for automatically affecting the operation of said controlling means thereby to terminate the flowing operations when the well blows.

ALEXANDER BOYNTON. 

